Importance of Play-Based Curriculum

We enable the joyful freedom of self expression through loving & safe connections

At Panania Preschool- Kindergarten we implement a Play Based Curriculum; this is also reflected in our philosophy:

“We lovingly nurture every child’s natural development through our shared values of Love, Family, Courage and Spirituality. We treasure the joy of creating authentic connections with children enabling them to be free and safe to express their inherent creativity and imagination”.

Play Based-Learning

Research has shown that play is the best way for the children to learn the concepts, skills and tasks needed to set a solid foundation for later life. When children are encouraged and given the opportunity to explore and experiment through play, they will become confident and active learners.

Over the years there have been many theories regarding the value of play for a child’s development. In Steiner philosophy, free play supports the proper development of the will, and children are trusted to work out identities, relationships, fantasy and reality for themselves through play.

According to Piaget, play is linked to cognitive development, in which children progress through stages where they have an active role in engaging in problem solving while developing an understanding of the world around them.

Vygotsky’s view was that play serves as a tool of the mind enabling children to master their own behaviour while promoting cognitive, emotional, and social development. Froebel regarded play as a strong connection between play and learning, acknowledged the importance of adult interactions and interventions.

Groos, Instinct- Practice Theory, viewed play as training for later life. Looking at play as a learning tool it can be said that each of the theories are still current today, in some way, when placed within certain scenarios. All these theories have their place, and these along with our beliefs and experiences can influence how we work with children. The EYLF and NQS also reflect these theories.

Why Play-Based Learning?

The following is an article found in Every Child Vol. 16 by Lennie Barblett that supports our practices.

‘…for the EYLF to be implemented properly, all early childhood educators need to know what play is, why it
is important, how to implement and assess a play-based program and their role in it.’ – Abstract from ‘Why Play-Based Learning’ by Lennie Barblett

Testimonials

Both my kids have attended this Centre after moving into the area and have loved it. My youngest is going to school next year and I’m going to really miss the girls as will my daughter! All the staff are amazing, my kids have made some great friends and it feels like a family. There are constant activities and events going on and they always go above and beyond my expectations!

My son has been attending here since the start of 2017 and have found the staff to be absolutely amazing and so very compassionate towards the kids.. Highly recommended you won’t find better care for your child/ren.

To all the staff. I really cannot thank you enough for the support and guidance that you have provided me on my professional journey in Early Childhood teaching. My respect and appreciation for woman like you has reached an ultimate high. It was an amazing 10 weeks and a great pleasure to have worked beside you. I was lucky to have been placed at your centre and have learnt an immense amount of knowledge about what it takes to be exceeding and to cater for a wonderful bunch of children.

Thank you or the opportunity to work alongside you and the amazing families. You have shown me just how loving and supportive this industry can be. You have allowed me to grow beyond measure and pushed me out of my comfort zone to many times to count! You have made me a better educator and in turn a better mum. Lastly thank you (and the girls) for all the love and encouragement you have offered my son. He loves coming to school and this is a testament to the centre you have created.

We just want to thank you for the amazing work you all have done over the year. My daughter has had a fantastic time and built wonderful relationships with both staff and kids. We feel very safe leaving her in your care and I want to thank you all for providing such a high level of care. Over the last few years you have always gone above and beyond when it comes to looking after our kids. From the time spent taking them to the park, library, the graduation and Christmas parties, the effort that is put into making the kids happy is second to none.

You have been nothing short of amazing, you have not just been the owner of a daycare but a second family to us. You should be so proud of the Centre you have created, it brings so much love and happiness to our kids’ lives every day and I honestly cant put into words how much that means to dean & myself even though we still have miss sassy with you for years to come, we want you to know how much gratitude we have for you and the girls. Thanks again!

Hi Kara, just wanted to send a note to reiterate how wonderful your team is. We’ve been toilet training Elena for the last 3 days and needless to say we were a bit anxious sending her to childcare today. I just got off the phone with her educators and they were so supportive, gave me a really thorough update as to how Elena was going, gave me some additional tips and were just so gracious with their time.

Thank you for the love and care you have shown Zoe during her time at your centre, you have created a beautiful, inspiring and creative Centre that encourages all the children to learn & feel loved and also supported, what a fantastic start to life and education Zoe has had, we will be forever grateful to al all of you

Dear Beth, Kara, and all the amazing educators, thank you for being so caring and loving to Elsie, she has grown and developed so much during this past year, and we have you all to thank for that! We are so grateful to you all and feel unbelievably lucky to be a part of the family.

It is such a wonderful and precious experience for Jayleen to be with your wonderful people for the past of three years. Though she will have so many educators in the future, I am sure she will never forget you girls who instilled love and courage to her.

To the staff, we cannot thank you all enough for the work you have collectively done for our son. He began this year full of anxiety, and with your patience, guidance, and tenderness he has evolved into a move settled and resilient young boy.

Harvey has enjoyed his best times at your Centre, and we have been incredibly and superbly impressed with your nurturing, caring, and professional approach to childcare. Thank you, once again, so much for all you have done in making our kid feel comfortable, cared for, loved for, and most importantly, safe. Thank you so much for your time and consideration in this matter.

We enable the joyful freedom of self expression through loving & safe connections

Play Based-Learning

Why Play-Based Learning?

Testimonials

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